Royal Bavarian traditions move to Kaunas: How 'Oktoberfest' became one of Lithuanians' most anticipated annual celebrations

What began as a modest gathering in a parking lot in 2020 has blossomed into one of Lithuania's most anticipated annual celebrations. Kaunas' "Oktoberfest," inspired by the Bavarian tradition, has seen exponential growth, drawing crowds eager to experience a unique blend of German and Lithuanian culture.

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That this would be our event, we understood after the first time. Although there was little advertising, because we started organizing the festival quite late, the interest simply "exploded". It turned out that this concept is very promising, that people want such a thing.

Marius Horbačauskas, CEO of "Volfas Engelman," the brewery behind the event, recalled the unexpected success of the first festival. "The interest just exploded," he said, noting that despite minimal advertising, the event's concept proved highly appealing. Last year, the festival welcomed approximately 8,000 visitors, including international guests, and organizers anticipate up to 10,000 attendees this year. The festival grounds have expanded accordingly, now offering around 3,000 seats within tents and utilizing outdoor spaces.

Horbačauskas believes the festival's strength lies in its intimate atmosphere and the "closeness and connection between people." He contrasts this with larger, impersonal venues, emphasizing that the shared experience and vibrant ambiance are key to its popularity. The event fosters a sense of community, with many attendees returning annually and bringing friends and colleagues.

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I think our strength is closeness and the connection between people. If we moved the festival to some large arena, theoretically we could gather a lot of people, but it wouldn't be the same.

Cultural parallels between Bavaria and Lithuania contribute to the festival's local appeal. Traditional dishes featuring pork, potatoes, and cabbage resonate with Lithuanian palates. The music also bridges cultures, with roughly half of the program dedicated to traditional German music and the other half featuring popular songs and Lithuanian repertoire. This fusion creates a natural blend where German and Lithuanian cultures intertwine. The event also maintains a symbolic connection to the origins of Oktoberfest, with organizers staying in touch with representatives of the Bavarian royal family, whose ancestors hosted the first Oktoberfest in 1810.

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Our audience is not unfamiliar with German and Bavarian music, as some of the old German schlagers are well-known in Lithuania or have been re-recorded in Lithuanian.